A competency is defined as fundamental knowledge, ability, or expertise in a specific subject area or skill set.

Achievement orientation Maintains and inspires a results-driven approach, focuses on results and critical performance
indicators.
Adaptability / flexibility Maintains effectiveness in a changing environment.
Analysis Relates and compares data from different sources, identifying issues, securing relevant information
and identifying relationships.
Attention to detail Accomplishes tasks through a concern for all areas involved, no matter how small.
Commercial awareness Understands the economics of the business. Understands the business benefits and commercial
realities from both the organisation's and the customer's perspectives.
Creativity Generates and/or recognises how best practice and imaginative ideas can be applied to different
situations.
Decisiveness Makes decisions and takes action.
Financial awareness Understands basic financial terminology used in organisations and is able to construct and maintain
simple financial records.
Image Presents a strong, professional, positive image to others at all times. This image is consistent with
all people (colleagues, management and peers, customers etc.).
Influencing Influences others by expressing self effectively in a group and in one to one situations.
Initiative Identifies opportunities and is pro-active in putting forward ideas and potential solutions.
Interpersonal sensitivity Recognises & respects different perspectives & appreciates the benefits of being open to the ideas
and views of others.
Judgement Determines the most appropriate course of action and draws conclusions that are based on logical
assumptions that reflect factual information.
Leadership Takes responsibility for the directions and actions of a team.
Life long learning and Develops the skills and competencies of self, peers and colleagues through learning and
development development activities related to current and future roles.
Listening Shows by a range of verbal and non-verbal signals that the information being received is
understood.
Organisation understanding Understands the organisation's work environment, internal politics, business objectives and
strategy.
Organisational sensitivity Is sensitive to the effect of his or her actions on other parts of the organisation and adopts a
mature, direct and up front style in dealing with conflict.
Personal development Maintains an up to date personal development plan and takes action to ensure personal
development takes place.
Planning and organising Establishes a course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a specific goal. Plans proper
assignments of personnel and appropriate allocation of resources.
Process operation Begins, controls and concludes a complete process or procedure.
Professional expertise Keeps up to date with developments in own areas of professional specialisation. Applies a breadth
and/or depth of professional knowledge.
Questioning Uses an appropriate approach to questioning in order to gain information from which to draw
conclusions and/or assist in the making of decisions.
Teamwork / working with Builds and develops appropriate relationships with academic staff, peers, colleagues, customers
others and suppliers at all levels within an organisation.
Technical application Has experience of using modern technology.
Technical knowledge Develops and maintains knowledge of key trends in technology.
Tolerance for stress Maintains performance under pressure and / or opposition.
Written communication Expresses ideas effectively and conveys information appropriately and accurately.